Good day all! I hope you found your weekend relaxing and/or enjoyable.
Today we came in a took our little test over BioMolecules. It was a 15 question scan-tron test covering our last unit. If you missed it, you need to make sure you make it up, otherwise you'll receive a score of 50%. If you need to download the notes, you can go to iportal.4j.lane.edu and log in and download it, or just look back a few posts here on the blog to download it.
After the test, we answered some questions about the history of Cells and such. Cells; that's going to be our next unit of study. Bill Nye the Science Guy introduced us to them today with an enjoyable episode.
Tomorrow, we're going into the lab to learn how to work with the microscopes including learning how to properly set up a wet-mount slide, focus the microscope and the process of taking detailed drawings of what we're observing.
It's a big lab activity and it should take us through until the break.
Cheers,
-
Monegan
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, December 10th, 2010
Well, were almost done until Winter Break. One week to go.
To was a crazy Friday with the short periods, so we weren't able to get much done, but I think we got enough.
We started with our Brainteaser warmup, handed back your Starch Labs from the other day and then jumped right into finishing our notes.
Today our notes took us over Proteins, really hitting on how wide a variety there are and how important they are for every, day-to-day cell function through Nucleic Acids, the masters and lords of the cell processes.
DNA and RNA are both really cool molecules and we'll be looking at them a lot closer during our Cell unit, which is the next unit up.
Monday/Tuesday we're going to have a test of this MacroMolecule stuff, so be ready by opening your notes over the weekend and re-reading what you wrote.
Have a great weekend,
-Monegan
To was a crazy Friday with the short periods, so we weren't able to get much done, but I think we got enough.
We started with our Brainteaser warmup, handed back your Starch Labs from the other day and then jumped right into finishing our notes.
Today our notes took us over Proteins, really hitting on how wide a variety there are and how important they are for every, day-to-day cell function through Nucleic Acids, the masters and lords of the cell processes.
DNA and RNA are both really cool molecules and we'll be looking at them a lot closer during our Cell unit, which is the next unit up.
Monday/Tuesday we're going to have a test of this MacroMolecule stuff, so be ready by opening your notes over the weekend and re-reading what you wrote.
Have a great weekend,
-Monegan
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, December 8th/9th.
Today we started off by watching THIS video about the dangers of making a panda angry. We then refreshed our memories about what a starch is (long polysaccharides, or long chain of sugar molecules) and then went into the lab to test for starches using iodine. There were about 13 materials for you test and look for a chemical change in the color of the added iodine. The lab was due today. If you didn't finish it, or need to do it, see me after class.
We then came back into the class room and took a few notes about Proteins, the all-stars of BioMolecules. Proteins do a lot of different tasks and there's a nearly endless number of them in all sorts of different configurations, sizes and shapes.
Friday, with our shorter periods, we'll be looking to wrap up our notes with Proteins and looking at Nucleic acids. Then, it's on to cells.
Maybe we'll test first though.
-
Monegan
We then came back into the class room and took a few notes about Proteins, the all-stars of BioMolecules. Proteins do a lot of different tasks and there's a nearly endless number of them in all sorts of different configurations, sizes and shapes.
Friday, with our shorter periods, we'll be looking to wrap up our notes with Proteins and looking at Nucleic acids. Then, it's on to cells.
Maybe we'll test first though.
-
Monegan
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, December 6th and 7th, 2010.
I apologize for not updated more last week. Wednesday and Thursday we finished did a lab looking at the cohesive (COHESIVE: Property of a liquid that causes it to stick to itself) properties of water, alcohol and vegetable oil. The lab was a basic one, involving adding small drops to a penny and counting the number of drops it took until the liquid spilled over the side of the penny.
It's fairly basic lab that asked you to initially make a hypothesis about what liquid you thought would be most cohesive. You should have found that water, with it's strong polar molecules, was the most cohesive. There were a lot of sources for error in this lab if you weren't careful. So, next time make sure you're very clean and careful with what we're doing.
On Monday/Tuesday, we started our introduction into BioMolecules. Download notes here: Biomolecules Power Point.
You can get a note sheet that goes along with the notes here: BioMolecule Notesheet
USE THESE documents to make sure you're successful on the test.
Tomorrow, we're going into the lab to explore Starches a little bit more indepth, so make sure you're wearing the proper lab attire.
-Monegan
It's fairly basic lab that asked you to initially make a hypothesis about what liquid you thought would be most cohesive. You should have found that water, with it's strong polar molecules, was the most cohesive. There were a lot of sources for error in this lab if you weren't careful. So, next time make sure you're very clean and careful with what we're doing.
On Monday/Tuesday, we started our introduction into BioMolecules. Download notes here: Biomolecules Power Point.
You can get a note sheet that goes along with the notes here: BioMolecule Notesheet
USE THESE documents to make sure you're successful on the test.
Tomorrow, we're going into the lab to explore Starches a little bit more indepth, so make sure you're wearing the proper lab attire.
-Monegan
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday/Tuesday November 29/30th
Hello and welcome back. I hope your thanksgiving day break went well and you all ate heaping handfuls of food and good cheer. Though, I know you can't really eat cheer.
Today in class we finished off our Chemistry Notes Part 2. Looking at covalent bonds and the wonderful properties of water, I showed a couple of demo's the helped solidify how chemical bonds are formed and broken. We should have understood that energy is needed to make or break chemical bonds, and often times, when you use a small amount of activation energy, we can often get out more energy than we initially used. This is the case with the human body's breakdown of glucose molecules for energy.
Refer to the last post on where to download the powerpoint and note sheet if you weren't here for either.
Tomorrow, we're going into the lab to look at the cohesive properties of some chemicals and then we'll test on Friday.
I repeat: TEST ON FRIDAY!!!
-
Monegan
Today in class we finished off our Chemistry Notes Part 2. Looking at covalent bonds and the wonderful properties of water, I showed a couple of demo's the helped solidify how chemical bonds are formed and broken. We should have understood that energy is needed to make or break chemical bonds, and often times, when you use a small amount of activation energy, we can often get out more energy than we initially used. This is the case with the human body's breakdown of glucose molecules for energy.
Refer to the last post on where to download the powerpoint and note sheet if you weren't here for either.
Tomorrow, we're going into the lab to look at the cohesive properties of some chemicals and then we'll test on Friday.
I repeat: TEST ON FRIDAY!!!
-
Monegan
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday/Wednesday, November 22 and 24th.
The date's a little screwy because we had a snow day.
Today in class we started talking about valence electrons and the types of bonds atoms form. It's important that we know and understanding molecular bonding, because that affects a lot or our bodily processes and will great increase our understanding of cellular actions.
The key to understanding bonds is valence electrons. Remember, valence electrons are the outer most electrons in the outside shell. The group (column) on the periodic table tells you how many valence electrons an element will have. this will in turn tell you what type of ion it'll form when we're talking about ionic bonds.
Covalent bonds a different because instead of an electron being transferred, the electrons are shared with amongst the atoms.
Download that powerpoint notes here: ICB Atoms, Valenece Electrons and Bonding.
You can download the second note sheet here if you weren't in class: Second Note Sheet for Atoms
We're going to dive (no pun intended) into water chemistry to really understand the cells and how they work.
Until next time, have a great Thanksgiving.
-
Monegan
Today in class we started talking about valence electrons and the types of bonds atoms form. It's important that we know and understanding molecular bonding, because that affects a lot or our bodily processes and will great increase our understanding of cellular actions.
The key to understanding bonds is valence electrons. Remember, valence electrons are the outer most electrons in the outside shell. The group (column) on the periodic table tells you how many valence electrons an element will have. this will in turn tell you what type of ion it'll form when we're talking about ionic bonds.
Covalent bonds a different because instead of an electron being transferred, the electrons are shared with amongst the atoms.
Download that powerpoint notes here: ICB Atoms, Valenece Electrons and Bonding.
You can download the second note sheet here if you weren't in class: Second Note Sheet for Atoms
We're going to dive (no pun intended) into water chemistry to really understand the cells and how they work.
Until next time, have a great Thanksgiving.
-
Monegan
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, November 17/18th
Today we warmed up our brains with a few logic puzzle brain teasers.
We then looked at Isotopes and how to find the number of neutrons in certain atoms of certain types.
We then went over our notes, which you can download here: ICB NOTES FOR ATOMS: PART ONE
We then did an Atom worksheet for practice, involving locating elements, atomic numbers and atomic mass/weight on the periodic table. You can download the sheet HERE.
If you didn't do the worksheet in class, you should really download it and work on it at home.
Understand that Isotopes are different types of the same atom. The only thing that's different is the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
Friday remember is a short day with only 20 minute periods.
Until next time,
-
Monegan
We then looked at Isotopes and how to find the number of neutrons in certain atoms of certain types.
We then went over our notes, which you can download here: ICB NOTES FOR ATOMS: PART ONE
We then did an Atom worksheet for practice, involving locating elements, atomic numbers and atomic mass/weight on the periodic table. You can download the sheet HERE.
If you didn't do the worksheet in class, you should really download it and work on it at home.
Understand that Isotopes are different types of the same atom. The only thing that's different is the number of neutrons in the nucleus.
Friday remember is a short day with only 20 minute periods.
Until next time,
-
Monegan
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, November 15th and 16th
Welcome Back! I hope everyone had a wonderful little break. Now it's time to get back into SCIENCE!!!
Wednesday was fun looking at the different reactivity (how quickly an element will engage in chemical reactions) of the different period 3 metals (Aluminum, Sodium and Magnesium). We saw a nice fire and explosion with our Sodium/Water reaction.
Today we talked about what was happening. How Sodium was losing an electron and its similarities to the other alkali metals. We watched This Video, explaining how each alkali metal becomes more reactive with water as we move down the periodic table.
Of course, this is the exact opposite of the halogens. The group 7 (or 17) halogens get more reactive as you go up, with Fluorine being the most reactive. That's because it is the most aggressive electron taker.
REMEMBER, it's the electron configuration that will tell how a chemical will react.
I then collected your Elements II lab, so, if you didn't turn it yet, do so as soon as possible. Grades come out this week and I need everything in.
We then dove back into our notes about basic atomic structure and how they're are arranged on the periodic table.
We looked at the Atomic # and saw how it was different from the Atomic Weight or Atomic Mass. We made answered questions about how many protons, neutrons and electrons would be found in certain elements.
You can read all this again if you missed Our notes the first time by clicking this link.
We're going to next look at valence electrons, ions and water. These three key concepts will make understanding the chemistry of the cell much easier.
Until next time,
Monegan
Wednesday was fun looking at the different reactivity (how quickly an element will engage in chemical reactions) of the different period 3 metals (Aluminum, Sodium and Magnesium). We saw a nice fire and explosion with our Sodium/Water reaction.
Today we talked about what was happening. How Sodium was losing an electron and its similarities to the other alkali metals. We watched This Video, explaining how each alkali metal becomes more reactive with water as we move down the periodic table.
Of course, this is the exact opposite of the halogens. The group 7 (or 17) halogens get more reactive as you go up, with Fluorine being the most reactive. That's because it is the most aggressive electron taker.
REMEMBER, it's the electron configuration that will tell how a chemical will react.
I then collected your Elements II lab, so, if you didn't turn it yet, do so as soon as possible. Grades come out this week and I need everything in.
We then dove back into our notes about basic atomic structure and how they're are arranged on the periodic table.
We looked at the Atomic # and saw how it was different from the Atomic Weight or Atomic Mass. We made answered questions about how many protons, neutrons and electrons would be found in certain elements.
You can read all this again if you missed Our notes the first time by clicking this link.
We're going to next look at valence electrons, ions and water. These three key concepts will make understanding the chemistry of the cell much easier.
Until next time,
Monegan
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 09th
Short periods today.
We finished off our Element Lab with Station Number 9, where I showed you similarities and difference in the alkali and alkali earth metals.
We put Calcium (Ca) and Sodium (Na) into water to watch them catch fire, and we compared how Aluminum (Al) and Magnesium (Mg) burn or don't burn.
Next week we're going to continue our exploration of the periodic table and its periodicity.
-
Monegan
We finished off our Element Lab with Station Number 9, where I showed you similarities and difference in the alkali and alkali earth metals.
We put Calcium (Ca) and Sodium (Na) into water to watch them catch fire, and we compared how Aluminum (Al) and Magnesium (Mg) burn or don't burn.
Next week we're going to continue our exploration of the periodic table and its periodicity.
-
Monegan
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, November 8th & 9th
Hello and I hope your weekend went well.
Today we finished up the lab we started on Friday, exploring elements. You should have all 8 stations filled out and the lab should have been turned in today.
We came back in to the classroom and I gave you your HOMEWORK; a 5 page packet reading about the periodic table. If you didn't get in class, you need to see me after school to pick one up. We will have a reading quiz over the reading next class period, Wednesday.
If you weren't in class to receive the packet, you can get the same basic information from this wonderful website: http://www.chemicool.com/ Check it out, a lot of really neat and great information.
We next went on to the crux of our unit, learning about the atom.
I handed out the first notesheet for this unit. You can download it: Atom Notesheet One
And, to go with that wonderful notesheet, download the powerpoint presentation as a .pdf right here: Atom Notes, set one
That should get you a lot of the information you need.
Tomorrow in class we'll do a fun demonstration to show how atoms are related in the periodic table and, if there's time left over, talk about what makes chemistry so cool.
-
Monegan
Today we finished up the lab we started on Friday, exploring elements. You should have all 8 stations filled out and the lab should have been turned in today.
We came back in to the classroom and I gave you your HOMEWORK; a 5 page packet reading about the periodic table. If you didn't get in class, you need to see me after school to pick one up. We will have a reading quiz over the reading next class period, Wednesday.
If you weren't in class to receive the packet, you can get the same basic information from this wonderful website: http://www.chemicool.com/ Check it out, a lot of really neat and great information.
We next went on to the crux of our unit, learning about the atom.
I handed out the first notesheet for this unit. You can download it: Atom Notesheet One
And, to go with that wonderful notesheet, download the powerpoint presentation as a .pdf right here: Atom Notes, set one
That should get you a lot of the information you need.
Tomorrow in class we'll do a fun demonstration to show how atoms are related in the periodic table and, if there's time left over, talk about what makes chemistry so cool.
-
Monegan
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November 4th and 5th, Wendesday/Thursday!
TEST DAY!!!! Wooohhooooo. Today we tested over our latest unit, Cosmology and Star evolution. Hopefully you all studied and were met with success on the test. We'll find out when I hand them back tomorrow.
Our next unit is ATOMS and Chemistry. It's a biggie, with a lot of information to go over. It'll be important to stay focused and take good notes.
Remember, atoms are small and they're everywhere. We can't really see them, so scientists have to create models that we use to find out about them. So far, the models we've been using have verified all our observations and predictions.
You'll get to know and love the periodic table over this unit. Here's a quick picture of one and how to read it:
click on it to see it bigger.
Tomorrow we're going to do our introduction to elements lab. Basically we get to explore elements and certain elemental properties.
See you then!
-
Monegan
Our next unit is ATOMS and Chemistry. It's a biggie, with a lot of information to go over. It'll be important to stay focused and take good notes.
Remember, atoms are small and they're everywhere. We can't really see them, so scientists have to create models that we use to find out about them. So far, the models we've been using have verified all our observations and predictions.
You'll get to know and love the periodic table over this unit. Here's a quick picture of one and how to read it:
click on it to see it bigger.
Tomorrow we're going to do our introduction to elements lab. Basically we get to explore elements and certain elemental properties.
See you then!
-
Monegan
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, November 1st/2nd
Good morning all! I hope your Halloween was happy and safe.
Today we reviewed for our test that is going to be Wednesday/Thursday. It was a glorious look back at the universe and stars.
Here, you can follow along with my Prezi presentation to see what you might have missed:
Prezzi Cosmos Review Presentation
Follow that link to my presentation and review for our unit.
Click through and read up the stuff that's going to be on our test. You can print out the review sheet here: Intergrated Biology Cosmos and Star review sheet , fill it out and then use it during your test. How awesome is that!
After were wrapped up with out unit on Cosmology and Stars, we're going to tackle the wonderful world of the atom and elements.
Don't forget to come to Open Academic Hours, Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:35 to 3:30 if you're behind on your work.
Also, check your grades that are posted in the classroom to see if you are missing assignments, and make sure to get them turned in!
-
Monegan
Today we reviewed for our test that is going to be Wednesday/Thursday. It was a glorious look back at the universe and stars.
Here, you can follow along with my Prezi presentation to see what you might have missed:
Prezzi Cosmos Review Presentation
Follow that link to my presentation and review for our unit.
Click through and read up the stuff that's going to be on our test. You can print out the review sheet here: Intergrated Biology Cosmos and Star review sheet , fill it out and then use it during your test. How awesome is that!
After were wrapped up with out unit on Cosmology and Stars, we're going to tackle the wonderful world of the atom and elements.
Don't forget to come to Open Academic Hours, Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:35 to 3:30 if you're behind on your work.
Also, check your grades that are posted in the classroom to see if you are missing assignments, and make sure to get them turned in!
-
Monegan
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday, October 29th
Today was a freaky Friday schedule with only 40 min classes. Didn't give us much time to finish up our lab we started on Wendesday/Thursday. But, we did none-the-less.
You should complete the questions on the back side for homework that's due Monday/Tuesday.
Our TEST over this unit with be Wendesday/Thursday of next week, so, we'll review all Monday/Tuesday and get our note sheets ready to do awesome on the test.
I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween.
-
Monegan
You should complete the questions on the back side for homework that's due Monday/Tuesday.
Our TEST over this unit with be Wendesday/Thursday of next week, so, we'll review all Monday/Tuesday and get our note sheets ready to do awesome on the test.
I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween.
-
Monegan
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, October 26/27th
Atomic Emission Spectra. That's the topic for the day.
When stars burn their fuel, the gasses they're fusing get really excited. Think of a young puppy discovering a beetle. When a gas is excited, it's electron start jumping energy levels and when they do this, they emit color. Nicely, a lot of gasses emit colors in the visible spectrum of light, which we can see.
Scientist then use a spectroscope (read more about it at wiki) to separate the colors into their individual frequencies, or wavelengths.
Like this:
Each gas emits light at specific frequencies and astronomers can then use this information to identify what gasses a star is burning. This will help them determine where in the star's life cycle it currently is.
Make sure to review the Universe and Star Life cycle notes. They're available on older posts here on the board. Don't be afraid to ask a question in the comments section.
We had homework. Here it is if you didn't get it: Star Life Cycle Worksheet that is homework.
Tomorrow, you're going to presented with three unknown gasses and it will be your job to find out what they are, based off the emission lines you already drew.
Until tomorrow,
-
Monegan
When stars burn their fuel, the gasses they're fusing get really excited. Think of a young puppy discovering a beetle. When a gas is excited, it's electron start jumping energy levels and when they do this, they emit color. Nicely, a lot of gasses emit colors in the visible spectrum of light, which we can see.
Scientist then use a spectroscope (read more about it at wiki) to separate the colors into their individual frequencies, or wavelengths.
Like this:
Each gas emits light at specific frequencies and astronomers can then use this information to identify what gasses a star is burning. This will help them determine where in the star's life cycle it currently is.
Make sure to review the Universe and Star Life cycle notes. They're available on older posts here on the board. Don't be afraid to ask a question in the comments section.
We had homework. Here it is if you didn't get it: Star Life Cycle Worksheet that is homework.
Tomorrow, you're going to presented with three unknown gasses and it will be your job to find out what they are, based off the emission lines you already drew.
Until tomorrow,
-
Monegan
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, October 25/26th.
There's a lot of information about the universe and stars, and the great thing (or bad thing, depending on your perspective) is we're learning more and more every day as the technology gets better and better. I could probably go on for a few more weeks talking about the universe and all the crazy things we'll find in it class, but alas, we must go on to new material.
Today we dove in a talked specifically about Stars and their life cycle. Cool stuff. We learned that our sun isn't all that special when talking about stars. It's rather small and it's life will be relatively un-eventful until the end, when it balloons up into a red giant destroying Earth. It will then shrink and heat up to a white dwarf, where it will slowly cool to black.
The exciting stars are the big ones. Those like Betelguise, Rigel and Canis Majoris. These guys burn bright, hot and fast. Then, they end their lives in an awesome explosion, a supernova, followed by either becoming a neutron star or black hole.
Of course, astronomers haven't witnessed a single star going through all of these stages, that would take too long, but they've found countless stars in various stages, so we're pretty darn sure this is how it happens.
Here are the notes from the day to help yourself review: Star Life Cycle Notes.
STUDY THE NOTES!!! We will have a mini-quiz over these on Wednesday/Thursday.
Also, don't forget the EXTRA CREDIT: Using poster board or photoshop or a film, show the age or size of the universe in terms that the average person can understand.
Also, if you haven't do so yet, I need your Science Article Summary.
-
Monegan
There's a lot of information about the universe and stars, and the great thing (or bad thing, depending on your perspective) is we're learning more and more every day as the technology gets better and better. I could probably go on for a few more weeks talking about the universe and all the crazy things we'll find in it class, but alas, we must go on to new material.
Today we dove in a talked specifically about Stars and their life cycle. Cool stuff. We learned that our sun isn't all that special when talking about stars. It's rather small and it's life will be relatively un-eventful until the end, when it balloons up into a red giant destroying Earth. It will then shrink and heat up to a white dwarf, where it will slowly cool to black.
The exciting stars are the big ones. Those like Betelguise, Rigel and Canis Majoris. These guys burn bright, hot and fast. Then, they end their lives in an awesome explosion, a supernova, followed by either becoming a neutron star or black hole.
Of course, astronomers haven't witnessed a single star going through all of these stages, that would take too long, but they've found countless stars in various stages, so we're pretty darn sure this is how it happens.
Here are the notes from the day to help yourself review: Star Life Cycle Notes.
STUDY THE NOTES!!! We will have a mini-quiz over these on Wednesday/Thursday.
Also, don't forget the EXTRA CREDIT: Using poster board or photoshop or a film, show the age or size of the universe in terms that the average person can understand.
Also, if you haven't do so yet, I need your Science Article Summary.
-
Monegan
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, October 20/21st
Today was fun! We started off with a Mini-Quiz over the our notes yesterday; what three theories have existed for the origin of the universe (not God made it, not a theory) and what is redshift.
We then did a lab modeling the expansion of the universe and the observed phenomena of galaxies moving away from us. The model should have also shown that galaxies that are further away appear to be moving faster.
When then went back to our notes (which you can download from yesterday's blog entry) and talked briefly about Dark Energy, Dark Matter and a Type 1a Supernova.
Tomorrow we'll continue talking about supernova and how they're used to measure distance in the cosmos and hopefully wrap up notes about the Big Bang model.
Until next,
-
Monegan
We then did a lab modeling the expansion of the universe and the observed phenomena of galaxies moving away from us. The model should have also shown that galaxies that are further away appear to be moving faster.
When then went back to our notes (which you can download from yesterday's blog entry) and talked briefly about Dark Energy, Dark Matter and a Type 1a Supernova.
Tomorrow we'll continue talking about supernova and how they're used to measure distance in the cosmos and hopefully wrap up notes about the Big Bang model.
Until next,
-
Monegan
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
October 18/19th, Monday/Tuesday
Well, we had a pretty crazy week last week. This week looks a lot easier to figure out and I think it's back to normal.
Today we really dove into our Big Bang Cosmology unit looking at how or model's for the Solar System and Universe have changed over the centuries. We ended in the middle of looking at the Big Bang and it's prediction for the existence of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
Next class we're going to pick it up there after doing a lab looking at how galaxies are moving apart from each other. You can grab the power point I used here: Cosmology Power Point provided by the universe forum and the note sheet to go along with them, HERE.
Remember the Big Bang is a model the best describes how the universe evolved. So far, it's been very good at predicting and explaining the observed phenomena, but it only takes one piece of evidence that doesn't fit for the paradigm to shift.
Have a good night,
--
Monegan
Today we really dove into our Big Bang Cosmology unit looking at how or model's for the Solar System and Universe have changed over the centuries. We ended in the middle of looking at the Big Bang and it's prediction for the existence of Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
Next class we're going to pick it up there after doing a lab looking at how galaxies are moving apart from each other. You can grab the power point I used here: Cosmology Power Point provided by the universe forum and the note sheet to go along with them, HERE.
Remember the Big Bang is a model the best describes how the universe evolved. So far, it's been very good at predicting and explaining the observed phenomena, but it only takes one piece of evidence that doesn't fit for the paradigm to shift.
Have a good night,
--
Monegan
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
October 11/12
Today we got new seats, handed back some papers and posted new grades. The 4 1/2 week mid-term grades go out this Friday, so it's important that you have all your work caught up and turned in. I won't accept anything after Friday.
Also, those that missed the test need to make it up before Friday. Right now, it's a zero in the gradebook.
We started our new unit, cosmology, the study of how the universe began. We're going to look at the formation and life cycle of starts, how elements are created and the theory of the Big Bang.
We talked about the fundamental constructs of the universe: Matter, Energy and Forces. We then broke these down in our notes. You can get them HERE. Read them over thoroughly. We'll be testing on this stuff soon and often.
An extra project is also available this unit. I want you to show me visually either the size of the universe or it's age. Compare it to something that we're familiar with.
A great place to get an idea would be www.google.com . Do a search for Age of the Universe. I can do this too, so make sure your work is original.
This will be worth 20 extra credits points, about the value of a test. Those that are struggling should take advantage.
Monegan out.
Also, those that missed the test need to make it up before Friday. Right now, it's a zero in the gradebook.
We started our new unit, cosmology, the study of how the universe began. We're going to look at the formation and life cycle of starts, how elements are created and the theory of the Big Bang.
We talked about the fundamental constructs of the universe: Matter, Energy and Forces. We then broke these down in our notes. You can get them HERE. Read them over thoroughly. We'll be testing on this stuff soon and often.
An extra project is also available this unit. I want you to show me visually either the size of the universe or it's age. Compare it to something that we're familiar with.
A great place to get an idea would be www.google.com . Do a search for Age of the Universe. I can do this too, so make sure your work is original.
This will be worth 20 extra credits points, about the value of a test. Those that are struggling should take advantage.
Monegan out.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 4/5
Today we took our unit one Test. They're graded and will be handed back next week. Hopefully, for those that didn't score as well as they'd like, you can reflect about what you missed and how better to prepare yourself next time.
Our next unit is over the structure of the universe and it's origins.
We'll talk about matter, forces and energy and how they're all related.
We'll look at chemicals, elements and the periodic table.
We'll look at forces such as gravity and the electromagnetic forces.
Finally we'll end with energy and it's conservation and how that relates to Cells and our basic understanding of biomolecular energy usage.
So, it's going to be a fun ride.
In the mean time, here's an interesting/funny photo:
Our next unit is over the structure of the universe and it's origins.
We'll talk about matter, forces and energy and how they're all related.
We'll look at chemicals, elements and the periodic table.
We'll look at forces such as gravity and the electromagnetic forces.
Finally we'll end with energy and it's conservation and how that relates to Cells and our basic understanding of biomolecular energy usage.
So, it's going to be a fun ride.
In the mean time, here's an interesting/funny photo:
Until next time,
-
Monegan
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Friday, October 1st
Happy October!!
Today we finished up our lab, shared our results and calculated the class average. You should be graphing your data.
Remember, usually the independent variable goes along the X-axis, but, for this graph, it'll make more sense for the independent variable, the size of our Jars, to go along the Y-axis. When you're done, you should get a linear line graph.
Also, our Unit One test is on Monday/Tuesday. So, make sure you study and know ALL the vocabulary words and understand what the different variable types are.
Good luck, and I'll see you all on Monday.
-
Monegan
Today we finished up our lab, shared our results and calculated the class average. You should be graphing your data.
Remember, usually the independent variable goes along the X-axis, but, for this graph, it'll make more sense for the independent variable, the size of our Jars, to go along the Y-axis. When you're done, you should get a linear line graph.
Also, our Unit One test is on Monday/Tuesday. So, make sure you study and know ALL the vocabulary words and understand what the different variable types are.
Good luck, and I'll see you all on Monday.
-
Monegan
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, September 29/30th
Today we did are first "formal" lab activity, The Candle in a Jar Lab. Get it here!!! It involves making a hypothesis about how the size of a jar will affect the time a candle will burn when covered by the Jar.
YOUR HOMEWORK: was to graph any data you collected and be ready to share it with the class on Friday.
Here are the notes Day 07 Notes from the day that go over how to properly read the water level in a beaker. Remember, WATER IS STICKY! And AWESOME!
Friday, we're going to share our results with the class to calculate a class average and see if our procedures were all written well enough to get consistent results.
ALSO: Awesome new Science discovery.
Astronomers have recently discovered a "perfect" planet about 20 light years away that they are very confident supports or at least, can support life. It's in the all important "life zone". It's about 3 times the size of Earth and is tidally locked with it's Red Dwarf Sun. Meaning, like our moon, the same side of the planet always faces it's sun. Scientists don't yet have the tools to analyze the atmospheric contents, but are very, very hopeful that it contains water. If it does, there's almost 100% assuredness that the planet contains life.
Read more here:New planet Discovered!!
Rock on!
-
Monegan
YOUR HOMEWORK: was to graph any data you collected and be ready to share it with the class on Friday.
Here are the notes Day 07 Notes from the day that go over how to properly read the water level in a beaker. Remember, WATER IS STICKY! And AWESOME!
Friday, we're going to share our results with the class to calculate a class average and see if our procedures were all written well enough to get consistent results.
ALSO: Awesome new Science discovery.
Astronomers have recently discovered a "perfect" planet about 20 light years away that they are very confident supports or at least, can support life. It's in the all important "life zone". It's about 3 times the size of Earth and is tidally locked with it's Red Dwarf Sun. Meaning, like our moon, the same side of the planet always faces it's sun. Scientists don't yet have the tools to analyze the atmospheric contents, but are very, very hopeful that it contains water. If it does, there's almost 100% assuredness that the planet contains life.
Read more here:New planet Discovered!!
Rock on!
-
Monegan
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, September 27/28th
Today was a big day. Finally, we got through all the stuff we need for the Nature of Science. We finished off how to write a good procedure, talked about Manipulated and Responding variables and then moved on to how to properly display your collected data using graphs and charts so other non-science people would love it.
Here are the notes from the day.
Make sure you understand the difference in Variables, there will be test on it tomorrow.
Hope your evening goes well and I look forward to meeting some of your parents tonight at our Open House.
--
Monegan
Here are the notes from the day.
Make sure you understand the difference in Variables, there will be test on it tomorrow.
Hope your evening goes well and I look forward to meeting some of your parents tonight at our Open House.
--
Monegan
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24th
Today we started with a couple of Logic Problems as warm ups. After some proding, we got the correct answers. Good job class!
Then, we went on to flesh out our procedures and finished up sharing our Lab Safety projects.
Monday/Tuesday should be exciting as we finish up our unit on The Nature of Science with an awesome lab activity.
Cheers,
-
Monegan
Then, we went on to flesh out our procedures and finished up sharing our Lab Safety projects.
Monday/Tuesday should be exciting as we finish up our unit on The Nature of Science with an awesome lab activity.
Cheers,
-
Monegan
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, September 22/23
Woohoo! Today we presented our Lab Safety Projects. A lot of great posters and videos. I'm very impressed by the artistic talent of some our students. Very creative.
We looked at how a hypothesis, can eventual help support a disprove a Theory. And, what exactly a theory is (no trivial thing for sure) and how some theories can ultimately become a law after they've withstood the test of time.
When then moved on to some more notes, this time dealing with how to write a proper Experimental Procedure. Procedure writing can be tough. We take a lot of things for granted when giving directions.
Remember the keys to a good procedure are:
1. Discreet, number steps. Keep things simple.
2. Don't combine two steps in one.
3. Use exact measurements.
4. Tell them when to record data. And where to write the data down.
5. The steps should be easy to follow and repeatable.
If you follow these simple rules, chances are your procedure will wind up being easy to follow and produce consistent results.
Here are the notes from the day: Day 5 notes
Homework for the day was to write a 5 step minimum procedure of your morning routine. Think about it like this: If I were building a robot to copy exactly what you do in the morning getting ready for school, what would the program instructions for that robot be?
These are due Friday, the 24th of September.
Until Next time,
-Monegan
We looked at how a hypothesis, can eventual help support a disprove a Theory. And, what exactly a theory is (no trivial thing for sure) and how some theories can ultimately become a law after they've withstood the test of time.
When then moved on to some more notes, this time dealing with how to write a proper Experimental Procedure. Procedure writing can be tough. We take a lot of things for granted when giving directions.
Remember the keys to a good procedure are:
1. Discreet, number steps. Keep things simple.
2. Don't combine two steps in one.
3. Use exact measurements.
4. Tell them when to record data. And where to write the data down.
5. The steps should be easy to follow and repeatable.
If you follow these simple rules, chances are your procedure will wind up being easy to follow and produce consistent results.
Here are the notes from the day: Day 5 notes
Homework for the day was to write a 5 step minimum procedure of your morning routine. Think about it like this: If I were building a robot to copy exactly what you do in the morning getting ready for school, what would the program instructions for that robot be?
These are due Friday, the 24th of September.
Until Next time,
-Monegan
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, September 20/21st.
Today we stared with a warmup, operationlly defining the following terms:
Observation
Subjective Observation
Objective Observation
Hypothesis
When then went on to discuss Scientists use of DATA to help them make INFERENCES and further refine their HYPOTHESIS. Data comes in two main types; Quantitative and Qualitative.
Here are the notes from the day: ICB Day 04 Notes
When then worked on our Lab Safety Projects, which are DUE WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY.
We also had homework:
Bring a paper folded object, this can be a paper airplane, origami object or something along those lines.
All the best,
--
Monegan
Observation
Subjective Observation
Objective Observation
Hypothesis
When then went on to discuss Scientists use of DATA to help them make INFERENCES and further refine their HYPOTHESIS. Data comes in two main types; Quantitative and Qualitative.
Here are the notes from the day: ICB Day 04 Notes
When then worked on our Lab Safety Projects, which are DUE WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY.
We also had homework:
Bring a paper folded object, this can be a paper airplane, origami object or something along those lines.
All the best,
--
Monegan
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday/Thursday, September 15/16
Woo, busy day.
We refreshed ourselves on the necessities of what we need for the Lab Safety Project. FRIDAY will be our only class day to work on this assignment. Then it's due next week on Wednesday/Thursday.
We then dove into our powerpoint notes, exploring the nature of what is Science, who some famous scientists were (Newton, Archimedes, Bacon, Sagan) and the difference between a Subjective Observation and Objective Observation.
Subjective - An observation based on Opinion. "That shirt is ugly".
Objective - An observation based on Fact. "That shirt is blue!"
We then dove into our Mystery Bag Lab, (downloadable HERE) and used our Objective/Subjective observation skills to describe various unknown objects.
You can download the notes HERE (Day 03 Notes).
I'd also recommend checking Youtube for Carl Sagan's video, The Pale Blue Dot.
Also, Cat in Space.
Next period will be working on our Lab Safety Project.
Until then,
-
Monegan
We refreshed ourselves on the necessities of what we need for the Lab Safety Project. FRIDAY will be our only class day to work on this assignment. Then it's due next week on Wednesday/Thursday.
We then dove into our powerpoint notes, exploring the nature of what is Science, who some famous scientists were (Newton, Archimedes, Bacon, Sagan) and the difference between a Subjective Observation and Objective Observation.
Subjective - An observation based on Opinion. "That shirt is ugly".
Objective - An observation based on Fact. "That shirt is blue!"
We then dove into our Mystery Bag Lab, (downloadable HERE) and used our Objective/Subjective observation skills to describe various unknown objects.
You can download the notes HERE (Day 03 Notes).
I'd also recommend checking Youtube for Carl Sagan's video, The Pale Blue Dot.
Also, Cat in Space.
Next period will be working on our Lab Safety Project.
Until then,
-
Monegan
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday/Tuesday, September 13/14th. We're on a PRIDE schedule.
Today we went over the course syllabus and Lab expecatations and rules. You can download the safety contract here, Click to download safety contract, and the following along project, our Promoting Lab Safety Project. Lab Safety Project Handout
Students need to use their creative and artistic abilities to WOW us into the importance of proper lab safety.
We also started to explore the Nature of Science and will be continuing with this activity on Wed/Thur.
Expect your Safety Project Proposal next class and we'll discuss a time line for completion then.
Caio!
Oh yeah, today's quote was: "Science is not a belief, but the will to find out." -- Anon.
If you didn't get a chance in class, leave a comment on what this quote means to you.
--
Monegan
Students need to use their creative and artistic abilities to WOW us into the importance of proper lab safety.
We also started to explore the Nature of Science and will be continuing with this activity on Wed/Thur.
Expect your Safety Project Proposal next class and we'll discuss a time line for completion then.
Caio!
Oh yeah, today's quote was: "Science is not a belief, but the will to find out." -- Anon.
If you didn't get a chance in class, leave a comment on what this quote means to you.
--
Monegan
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Science Class: Friday, September 10th 2010
ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE!!!! And Friday classes, means we're meeting for only 35 minutes.
Welcome back! I hope your summer went well.
Today, we'll get to know each other. You can download the syllabus if you'd like by clicking here: Cellular Biology Syllabus!!!!
The syllabus will be handed out on Monday, September 13th (my dad's birthday).
Things to think about: Safety Project! How can we show the importance of safety in the lab to other students?
*Make a video
*Make an awesome interactive poster (the technology may not exist, but that didn't stop Galileo!)
*Write a song
This is a project we'll get to work more in class on.
Until Monday,
--
Monegan
Welcome back! I hope your summer went well.
Today, we'll get to know each other. You can download the syllabus if you'd like by clicking here: Cellular Biology Syllabus!!!!
The syllabus will be handed out on Monday, September 13th (my dad's birthday).
 |
| Courtesy of Morrisonlabs.com |
*Make a video
*Make an awesome interactive poster (the technology may not exist, but that didn't stop Galileo!)
*Write a song
This is a project we'll get to work more in class on.
Until Monday,
--
Monegan
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
School's almost here!!!
So, I'm getting stuff set up and organized at my new school.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I'm teaching back in Eugene Oregon.
Anyway, I'm slowly getting set up and figuring out how the class is going to work. The other teachers have been very supportive and helpful. It's an integrated Cellular Biology course with hints of physical science and chemistry.
You can check here, where, I'll hopefully have daily updates and assignments and documents you can download. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping Friday I'll have the syllabus for those that want it.
Anyway, things are going well and we'll be back here later.
-
Monegan
Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I'm teaching back in Eugene Oregon.
Anyway, I'm slowly getting set up and figuring out how the class is going to work. The other teachers have been very supportive and helpful. It's an integrated Cellular Biology course with hints of physical science and chemistry.
You can check here, where, I'll hopefully have daily updates and assignments and documents you can download. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping Friday I'll have the syllabus for those that want it.
Anyway, things are going well and we'll be back here later.
-
Monegan
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Interesting Article.
Do-Gooders Get Voted Off Island First: People Don't Really Like Unselfish Colleagues, Psychologists Find.
Full article here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823101110.htm
Basically, it says those that work hard and do unselfish acts are frowned on by their colleagues, because it makes them look bad.
I usually consider myself someone who works hard, but I never thought about what my other workers would think about that.
What are your thoughts?
-
Monegan
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Today's The Day.
Today's the day I start Blogging. Blogging about what you may ask. About Science. And more specifically, what's going on in my science classroom.
You see, I'm a science teacher and I feel it's important that students and their parents get to see what's going on in class that day. And, this blog will hopefully keep me honest in keeping things up-to-date and it's a great way to record the days lessons. Ideally, making planning the next year easier.
Everyday, students and parents (when school starts) will get to come to this blog and read, (possibly see if photos are taken) what went on during class. I might even through in questions that parents should ask their children at home, just to make sure they walked away with the proper concepts understood.
I'm sure a lot of teachers have blogs, so I know this is nothing new. But it is new to me. I've never blogged before. I don't much like writing. But, with your help and support, this could become a very good thing.
And who knows? It may not all be school oriented stuff. I'll post about things that I think are cool going on in the scientific community and maybe some stuff related to my film making.
That's right. I make movies too.
Anyhow, I hope this first post goes well.
Adios.
--
Monegan
You see, I'm a science teacher and I feel it's important that students and their parents get to see what's going on in class that day. And, this blog will hopefully keep me honest in keeping things up-to-date and it's a great way to record the days lessons. Ideally, making planning the next year easier.
Everyday, students and parents (when school starts) will get to come to this blog and read, (possibly see if photos are taken) what went on during class. I might even through in questions that parents should ask their children at home, just to make sure they walked away with the proper concepts understood.
I'm sure a lot of teachers have blogs, so I know this is nothing new. But it is new to me. I've never blogged before. I don't much like writing. But, with your help and support, this could become a very good thing.
And who knows? It may not all be school oriented stuff. I'll post about things that I think are cool going on in the scientific community and maybe some stuff related to my film making.
That's right. I make movies too.
Anyhow, I hope this first post goes well.
Adios.
--
Monegan
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